During their first week, the Marines became acquainted with customs and courtesies relative to the Australian military as well as local wildlife.

Speakers from both the Australian Defence Force and the U.S. Marine Corps gave presentations detailing information that Marines will need to know to be successful during this year’s exercise.

“The purpose of MRF-D is to train and integrate with the ADF to further enhance our interoperability and regional ability to respond to crisis,” said Marine Lt. Col. Matthew Emborsky, the FCE’s officer-in-charge.

“We want the Marines to immerse themselves as much as they can in the Australian way of life, both in the way we operate as a military and the way we operate culturally as Australians,” said ADF Maj. Wade Cooper, 1st Brigade’s Major.

“We work hand-in-hand with our Australian counterparts,” said Emborsky. “It’s a team effort to make sure everything is ready to go for the MRF.”

The U.S. and Australian forces will take part in several different exercises during the six-month rotation, including exercises Southern Jackaroo, Talisman Sabre, and Koolendong.